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Dec 2009  |  By Mibs  |  Comments (0)

Make A Difference - Give Time, Give Support, Give Things

TAGS: February 2010 magazine, give time, give things, give support

This month's picks for people, places and things with which you can make a difference:

Give Time

Sarah’s Circle
773-728-1014 | www.sarahs-circle.org

Give time: Volunteer at the resale shop, Full Circle, located in Glenview.

All the proceeds from Full Circle support Sarah’s Circle. Volunteers at Full Circle handle sales transactions, receive donations and work on “beautifying” the store. Full Circle has a number of friendly volunteers, and they truly need more to help out on a consistent basis, typically we ask a volunteer to commit to a 3-hour shift at least once a week. Training is provided.

If you are interested in volunteering at Full Circle, please contact Katherine J. Ragnar, executive director of Sarah's Circle at 773-728-1014.

Misericordia Heart of Mercy
773-273-4161 | www.misericordia.com

Give time: Make a regular weekly commitment at Misericorida Home or sign up for special event/holiday volunteer opportunities.

The Mission of Misericordia Heart of Mercy is to support individuals with developmental disabilities in maximizing their level of independence and self-determination within an environment that fosters spirituality, dignity, respect and enhancement of quality of life. They promote development of natural family and community support, community awareness, education and advocacy. Misericordia welcomes two types of volunteers, "regular" volunteers and "special event/holiday" volunteers.

Regular volunteers must commit to a minimum 2- to 3-hour commitment per week for at least a 6 to 12 month term. If you are interested in helping Misericordia, however you know that it is unrealistic for you to make a weekly commitment; there are still plenty of opportunities for you to help. These volunteer opportunities normally do not include interaction with our residents. Time commitments vary from 2 to 3 hours to one full day. Just call in advance to sign up.

For more details or to volunteer please contact Theresa Rooney at 773-273-4161 or Mary Doherty at 773-273-4177. You can also e-mail: theresar@misericordia.com.

New Foundation Center
847-501-2879 | newfoundationcenter.org

Give time: The New Foundation Center is currently seeking board, advisory committee and events committee members who will bring their unique skills and knowledge of the community to the organization.

New Foundation Center (formerly called WilPower) located in Northfield offers psychiatric rehabilitation, employment and permanent supported housing services for adults with serious mental illness living in the north and northwest suburbs. Their mission is to partner with people with mental illness to recover and pursue lives of meaning and purpose.

If you would like more information about volunteer opportunities or New Foundation Center please contact Mary Gallagher at mgallagher@newfoundationcenter.org or 847-501-2879.

Give Things

Junior League of Evanston-North Shore
847-441-0995 | www.jle-ns.org

Give things: JLE-NS is looking for gently used formal or casual business attire (suits, skirts, jackets, slacks), briefcases, purses, portfolios, jewelry, scarves and shoes.

The Junior League of Evanston-North Shore has launched a new program, Fitting Futures, to build the confidence and boost the careers of low-income women completing job training programs at local social service agencies through providing business-appropriate clothing, coaching and styling at no cost.

To find out more including volunteer opportunities, which may be associated with the program, call 847-441-0995 or visit their website at www.jle-ns.org.

Lincoln Park Zoo
312-742-2322 | www.lpzoo.org
Give things: Make a difference in the life of an animal at the Lincoln Park Zoo by purchasing fun and functional gifts for them.

Zookeepers and curators have compiled a collection of items needed to enrich animals' lives. Items on the wish list range from $17 to $1,115. Funds donated through this program go directly to purchasing these items, and new lists will be released throughout the year.

For more information about the wish list, call 312-742-2322 or visit the list online at lpzoo.org/sup_ind_wish.php

Woman’s Club of Evanston
847-475-3800 | www.wcofe.org

Give things: Help the Woman’s Club create Valentine’s totes for underprivileged women by donating any new or unused toiletries, cosmetics, perfumes, personal care items (hairbrushes, toothbrushes, razors, tweezers) and/or feminine hygiene products.

Nothing warms the heart more than helping someone in need.  The Woman’s Club of Evanston is collecting items to create Valentine’s 
totes for underprivileged women. All items will be collected and distributed at Valentine's Parties at women’s shelters.

Please drop off items Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Woman’s Club of Evanston building, 1702 Chicago Ave., Evanston. For more information, please contact Mindy Meade DeStefano at mindymeade@sbcglobal.net or Patricia Caine at pcaine@rdhs.org.

Give Support

Girls on the Run
773-342-1250 | www.gotrchicago.org

Give support: Funds donated to GOTRC are used to bring the program to the 60+ schools on their waiting list and will allow them to serve almost 900 additional girls annually.

Girls on the Run—Chicago (GOTRC) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to educate and inspire girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living.

GOTRC uses a cutting-edge curriculum that addresses the unique developmental stages of pre-teen girls.  The fun, innovative program combines training for a 5K (3.1 mile) event with interactive lessons that encourage positive emotional, social, mental and physical development.  GOTRC currently works with more than 175 schools across Chicagoland, including 44 schools along the North Shore.

In 2010, GOTRC will deliver programs to almost 4,500 girls.

Donations can be sent to GOTRC, 1643 N Milwaukee, 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL  60647.  For questions about GOTRC, please contact Betsy Armstrong at 773-342-1250.

ISCD Israel Sports Center for the Disabled
773-710-9992 | www.iscd.com

Give support: Funds donated to the ISCD support rehabilitative work that has been recognized both domestically and internationally and serves ever-increasing numbers of disabled children, including victims of terrorist attacks.

The Israel Sports Center for the Disabled specializes in the physical and psychological rehabilitation of Israeli children and youth. The Center is one of the largest in the world and is a world pioneer in the field of sports for the disabled.

The spirit and motivation of sport is used as a means to help guide the disabled from a state of helplessness to productive, fulfilling lives. It has been proven that sports activities contribute more to the confidence, morale and self-image of the disabled than any other form of rehabilitation and significantly prolongs life expectancy.

In its 46 years of existence, the Center has rehabilitated more than 25,000 seriously disabled children. Donations can be sent to Israel Sports Center for the Disabled, Midwest Friends of ISCD, P.O. Box 6357, Evanston, IL 60202. For questions, please contact Cece Lobin, Midwest coordinator at 773-710-9992.

Tails of Hope
847-557-9554 | www.tailsofhope.org

Give support: Funds go toward providing support and care for the pets in this no-kill shelter until homes can be found for them.

Tails of Hope is a no-kill, non-profit animal rescue and adoption service.  Their mission is to help the elderly, chronically ill and terminally ill find new homes for their beloved pets. In addition, we are dedicated to finding loving homes for cats and dogs that have been abandoned, are strays or are scheduled for euthanasia.

Donations can be sent to Tails of Hope, PO Box 7554, Gurnee, Il 60031. For more information call 847-557-9554 or e-mail tailsofhope@aol.com.